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Somalia Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

UK citizens can apply online for a Somalia Tourist or Business e-visa via the official Somalia e-visa portal; fees start at USD 60 and processing is typically 1–3 working days.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry into Somalia; there should be at least 2 blank visa pages remaining.
  • Specific forms: No separate paper form; complete the online e-visa application on the official portal linked from somalia.gov.so; no DS-160 or equivalent US forms.
  • Financial proof: No fixed minimum bank balance is published for the e-visa; you should be able to demonstrate access to sufficient funds if requested (carry recent bank statements as supporting evidence).
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Have hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a Somali host for business; carry return/onward flight tickets or proof of onward travel.
  • Photo/specs: Upload a recent passport-style photo (digital); recommended size around 35x45 mm; white background; file format JPG or PNG; max file size 2 MB.
  • Biometrics: No separate biometrics submission is required specifically for the online e-visa application; data is submitted digitally; upon arrival at some ports, officials may request standard checks.
  • Travel health insurance: Not mandatory for the e-visa, but strongly recommended; ensure your policy covers medical costs while in Somalia.

Visa types

  • Tourist e-visa: Official name Tourist e-visa; Validity 30 days from date of issue; Max stay up to 30 days per visit; Entry: Single; Approx fee: USD 60.
  • Business e-visa: Official name Business e-visa; Validity 90 days from date of issue; Max stay up to 60 days per visit; Entry: Single; Approx fee: USD 100.
  • Student e-visa: Not available via online e-visa; requires embassy/consulate processing; contact the Somali embassy or consulate for options.
  • Work e-visa: Not available via online e-visa; requires embassy/consulate processing; consult the Somali embassy for guidance.
  • Transit/other: No dedicated e-visa category publicly listed for transit; verify options on the official portal if your itinerary includes multi-country transit.

How to apply online

  • Portal URL: Use the official Somalia government site and navigate to the e-visa section; the portal is accessible via https://www.somalia.gov.so/ and related links shown there.
  • Steps:
  • Create an account on the e-visa portal and verify your email.
  • Complete applicant details exactly as in your passport (full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, issue/expiry dates).
  • Upload required documents: scanned passport data page (PDF/JPG), recent passport photo (JPG), and travel documents such as hotel bookings or invitation letters depending on visa type.
  • Select visa type (Tourist or Business) and provide supporting documents: hotel bookings or invitation letter for tourist; business invitation letter and company details for business.
  • Pay online by credit or debit card; fees shown in USD and SOS on the payment page.
  • Submit the application; you will receive an application reference number by email and can track the status on the portal.
  • If approved, the e-visa document will be issued as a downloadable file or emailed to you; print a copy to present on arrival.
  • Fee (local + USD): Fees appear in USD on the portal; local currency (SOS) equivalent is displayed during payment according to the current rate; typical values shown for UK applicants are Touriston USD 60 and Business USD 100.
  • Processing time: 1–3 working days for standard processing; expedited options may be available for an additional fee (often around USD 20–30) with faster processing.
  • How approval arrives: The e-visa is issued electronically and sent by email or available to download from the portal; no physical visa label is placed in your passport.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (USD): Tourist 60; Business 100. Local SOS amount is displayed at payment and will reflect the current exchange rate.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: Not applicable for online e-visa; no third-party visa submission centers are required.
  • Total cost estimate: Tourist around USD 60 (plus potential online portal processing fee if applicable); Business around USD 100 (plus portal processing fee if applicable).
  • Standard processing time: 1–3 working days.
  • Express/priority option: Expedited processing may be offered for an additional fee (commonly around USD 20–30) with turnaround of 24 hours where available.

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: Aim to apply at least 2–3 weeks before travel; allow extra time for security checks or large demand periods.
  • Common rejection reasons for UK applicants specifically: Incomplete or inconsistent personal data (name, date of birth, passport number); passport validity under 6 months; missing supporting documents (hotel bookings for tourist, invitation letter for business); mismatch between travel dates and documents; failure to provide required documents in the correct format.
  • Online portal vs embassy: This visa is obtained online via the official portal; there is no requirement to visit a VFS/BLS center for the e-visa; if you cannot access the portal, contact the Somalia embassy for guidance.
  • Travel advisories/bilateral notes: Check the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advisories for Somalia; Somalia remains a high-risk area with regional security concerns; monitor updates and follow local guidance while traveling.
  • Extension options inside Somalia: Extensions via online e-visa are not commonly published; if you need more time, you should plan accordingly by applying for a new e-visa before expiry or consult the Somali embassy/consulate about possible extension or entry re-application; always ensure you have valid status before travel and comply with local regulations.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.